Isn't it amazing how easy it is to get caught up in REAL life and lose focus on blogging for a while? It's pretty nice, to be honest.

Also, I realized that my last post probably made it seem like I was holding back some major news and oops, I didn't mean to be a tease. No big news over here.

Alls I've got is work, baby, Ronnie, baby, home and that's about it. So here's the gist:

+Work has been a dramatic roller coaster lately which has kept me busy and super happy, actually.

+I've been selling V's clothes like a mad woman on my IG shop. (It's like a part time job in itself but SO fun.)

+We bought annual passes to SeaWorld/Aquatica and are obsessed already. We went this past Saturday and Sunday and had the best time. It's hot as balls outside but totally worth it.

+Ronnie's been busting his booty at his new job and I'm so proud of him!

+Speaking of his booty, he's seriously rocking the weight loss thing (35 lbs!)! And the summer-SAHD thing.

+Violet is awesome and cute as all get out lately. She's CONSTANTLY dancing and kicking her legs (most hilarious thing ever) and she does this squinty face smile now that almost literally melts my heart every time. She talks non-stop, throws plenty of tantrums and is just the coolest kid. She's sleeping pretty great too (for the most part) so I'm finally feeling human again. Not completely, but mostly.

Speaking of kids though, I've gotta bring it back to Ronnie who had a dream recently that I was pregnant.

A dream that caused me to go into a week long panic because of course, with my luck, I'd totally be the girl with an IUD who got pregnant.

This week long terror made me realize, as awesome as our kid is, mama seriously ain't ready for baby #2.

Not now and maybe not ever. #sadbuttrue

Obviously that dream really screwed with me.

But moving on. How have y'all been?

high five for FRIDAY!

 

1. There's some not so awesome stuff going on in my personal life (NOTHING to do with Ronnie, things are great there :) and it's turned me into a weepy, grouchy mess so I'm taking a break from Twitter and Facebook. And you know what? I'm actually pretty happy without them (for now).

 

2. Remember we were going to cancel cable? Well I called Time Warner and I . got . swindled. Totally felt like this after the swindling too. But how could I say no when they knocked our cable/Internet bundle down $25 AND upgraded our Internet? Ronnie seems to think it's should've been real easy to say no - it wasn't. I guess we'll just have to keep cable another month ;)

3. Ronnie made these Roasted Chickpeas last night and all three of us LOVED them. I'm not sure what recipe he used but they're all pretty similar, this one looks close enough. Ronnie just changed it up and used some different spices, it's really all about what flavor you want anyway.

4. I am so in love with this newbie toddler stage and wish I could just freeze time. She is just so silly and fun and learning all sorts of new stuff. Hangers and junk mail are her favorite "toys" lately.

5. I've been obsessing over embroidery hoops for a while and I could easily just buy one of the many on Etsy but I'm thinking crazy thoughts and have decided to make one! I mean, I just freed up a whole bunch of time just with quitting Twitter alone! Has anyone seen an tutorial that's pretty easy to understand - say, Embroidery Hoops for Dummies? Please send it my way or send me your own tips!

Linking up for the first time with Lauren, love her blog!

 

Happy Friday, friends :)

Thursday Thoughts

 

---So we have decided to finally buckle down and get on a super strict budget. With help from this post (thank you, Kelly!), I have a really good place to start.

 

--Of course now that I can't spend, I see these NEON bubble necklaces today that I freaking need in my life. Neon, y'all! So if anyone wants to treat me, have at it. I might really need these personalized Chevron pillows too. Oh and these bracelets.

 

--We're cutting cable. The thought alone gave me a panic attack but after Ronnie loaded Netflix and Hulu Plus on to his PS3 last night, I think I'll pull through. I will be watching so . many . shows, my friends. First plan of action is to catch up on Mad Men and to start Downton Abbey. What are some of your favorites?

  

--Why yes, I am one of the people having a big old shit fit over Google Reader going away. I don't like change! But alas, on July 1st, I'll be forced to move on. So if you're on Bloglovin, please follow me there. Also, here's a great post from Katie on transferring your blogs from Reader to Bloglovin.

 

--Have you seen the DSW Spring '13 commercials? I'm totally, butt crazy, in love with this one. Not only is it one of my favorite brands but they're playing one of my favorite songs. Every time I see it I'm left with no choice but to daydream about having that exact party.

 

--Tomorrow is the last day to use my 20% off code over at Chip & Chisel! Like her Facebook page first and then use the code YAMC20. I haven't taken off my C&C necklace since I got it! 

 

--Current favorite song.  Download it now. I've been listening to it on repeat for a few weeks now and finally saw the video yesterday. And I  may or may not have teared up a little. See, I'm a feisty, slightly crazy, fly off the handle, stubborn kinda lady. Oh you didn't know that? ;) Add in my equally stubborn fiancé and we've had some pretty epic matches. (Just keeping it real here.). Crazy enough, I've never had more fun with anyone else in my life and apparently he feels the same way. All that to say, this video just reminded me a lot of us :)

--Thursday really is the new Friday, at least for me this week. I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow, bitches! Let's see what kind of budget friendly fun we can get into. At least we have some restaurant and store gift cards from Christmas to help us through this tough time.

Happy Friday Thursday ;)

It's Sunday and I'm blogggiiing!

(Sung to the tune of Elf's "I'm in a store and I'm siiiinging". Someone always still has Christmas on the brain.)

Last night was a night. Thunderstorm with hail + sick kid + sick mama = makes for two beat ass tired parents. Notice I didn't say the kid was beat ass tired. She slept in til nearly 11 (ok now I'm just showing off) and is bursting with energy now. At least the sleeping in allowed for me to actually blog on a Sunday morning and enjoy my coffee (and Property Brothers!) in peace.

Speaking of Property Brothers, the couple on there had 4 kids and hearing their newborn cry + the screaming toddlers nearly gave me a panic attack. I really think one kid might do us good. ("That'll do, pig.")

Source: someecards.com via PeteDesiree on Pinterest

Now for some random talk.

We got this for V for her birthday and girl is uh-bsessed so do yourselves a favor and get your kid one.

I received my birth print from Brittany and it's totally adorable. I mean, Malynn is in GOLD GLITTER! Love.

Do yourself a favor and order all the things from Brittany!

I got crazy and showed on Instagram the mess I made of V's room yesterday. The time to purge has come.

Do me a favor and answer me this: Should I sell at resale or start an IG shop?

Tuesday Thoughts?

Not quite the same as Thursday Thoughts but it works. Besides, what day don't I have random thoughts?

--I don't get the Valentine's Day hype, never have. Am I alone? Ronnie and I started dating about 2 weeks after Valentine's so we've just focused on celebrating that. Holy crap, 7 years this year!

--But if you're a V-day fan, I think DIY is the way to go! Jamie has TONS of ideas. Lots of cute shit here too.

--Violet's birthday is exactly 2 weeks after Valentine's day. I think I'm going to call her day, V-day.

--Today I'm jamming to 80s country on Pandora. (Ronnie and his dad would be so proud!) Try it and thank me later.

--Next week I'm going to a mini-reunion with friends from 6th grade! So random, right? Private school's at least good for its small classes, forcing everyone to be friends :)

--If you're not watching The Following, start. It's . so . good!

--I will never understand beard haters. I LOVE my manly bearded man and if he didn't have to look somewhat profesh, I'd totally let him grow it out Duck Dynasty style. Or like his beard idol.

--I loved VeryJane.com until my credit card got hacked for the second time! Another friend had the same issue using that site. Be careful!

--My "About Me + Us" page has been updated! It's silly and pretty wordy but whatever, it's us.

--I need some Girl Scout cookies in my life. and soon.

Source: ohmyfreakingstars.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

it's fridaaaay!

Obviously I have a bad case of ants in my pants because I changed up my blog again! I got sick of the pre-made template I bought so I just did what I could in the couple of hours I had free. (at work, of course. Shhhh..When would I have time at home?! ha) It's plain and I'm sure I'll keep messing with it but for now, I'm good. At least until mama can scrounge up some money for a super fancy custom blog. One day ;)

Would you mind looking around and let me know if anything looks wonky on your end? I'm an amateur, remember...

oh and can you also take a gander at recent pictures of the babe? She's pretty cute, no? ;)

My tree is FINALLY going up tomorrow and I plan to spend lots and lots of time with my honey before I lose him to finals week....Thankfully I get him back soon after for a few weeks while he's off on winter break! So excited! Hopefully we can squeeze in taking V to get Santa pictures too. Worried about the crowds though! :/

I'm gonna make you jealous now and tell you it's just after 2pm and i'm leaving work!! There's zero to do here anyway and V has her 9 month appointment this afternoon so peace out to this joint.

What are your plans for the weekend? have a great time!

Thursday Thoughts

--Thanks to Tara's tweet, I found out that May Books are 50% off today HERE! I'm grabbing one for sure. Especially because it doesn't look like EC planners are going on sale anytime soon. BOO!

--Speaking of, are you following me on Twitter? DO IT.

--Sooo many cute things at Old Navy right now. I bought a flannel top that is the coziest thing ever (I'd show you but all the flannel is missing from their site right now??) and I want one in every color!

--Also, why must my body shape be the absolute worst for skinny jeans?! I wish they worked but they just.dont.

--I used Mod Podge yesterday for the first time in years and I can say I am fully addicted. I even did a simple little DIY project! WHO AM I?

--Every year I buy a few things from the Bath & Body Works Winter Candy Apple line and I finally stocked up yesterday. I am obsessed and loving how I smell today ;)

--Who else is freaking out about Christmas gifts they still have to buy? I'm clueless about a few of our relatives and I'm afraid I'll end up just gving them gift cards. Which I personally love to receive but I always wonder if people think it's an impersonal gift? Thoughts?

--I heard this Christmas song yesterday and looove it. It's a tribute band singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer but set to the Beatles' I Saw Her Standing There (one of my faves!!).

Now for the mom thoughts. (Just warning those of you who don't care to read this stuff ;)

I feel like the worst mom EVER for not keeping up with Violet's monthly updates. I really could kick myself for not keeping better records. Time just flies and I feel like I've missed out on such a great opportunity that I'll never get back. But I'm going to pick it up again. I'm promising myself this.

So where did all this crazy talk come from? V turned 9 months old yesterday and I feel like it's all happening too fast. I focus on cherishing every smile, every cuddle, her scent, her giggles, everything. I know it's a good thing to live in the moment but I feel like total nutzo mom, trying to cope with her baby growing up. Please tell me I'm not alone? :/

happy 9 months, toots :)

a quickie

The weekend was an amazing one.

But I'll have to get into that tomorrow :)

For now, three things:

First, go check out my guest post today at Lauren's blog! 

I'm talking about easy Christmas DIY (so says the non-crafter ;) - I'd love for you to check it out!

Second, today's the last day to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway.

$50 is up for grabs, y'all - go enter here.

Lastly, V finally had her 8 month(ish) pictures taken yesterday. Her first profesh photo shoot :)

I am so ridiculously in love with the pictures and can't wait to show y'all more soon!

 I've been wanting to watermark my images for a while now.
Is that just being silly or a good idea? What do you do?

Happy Monday, friends!

my thursday thoughts

 

 

Funny story about the Simpsons. When we were little, my parents didn't let me and my brother watch it. One time he and I were at a friend's house after school for dinner and they just so happened to watch the Simpsons as a family so my brother and I FREAKED. We snuck away to ask each other "WHAT DO WE DO?!". We decided to tell our friend's mom that we couldn't watch it without our parents' permission...so they watched something else. I can only hope that V is a scaredy cat good girl like I was ;)

-- Apparently there's a high mold count in the air because my allergies are kicking my ass today. I sneezed all day yesterday and today I am completely stuffed up. Way to ruin my day!

-- I'm over the tote bag that I wanted last week. THIS ONE needs to be in my life on or before September 19th. Even a little after the 19th will suffice.

-- FYI - September 19th is my birthday. The BIG 3-0, y'all.

-- I found out that Dexter is coming back in three weeks!! It premieres September 20th which means best.end.to.birthday.weekend.EVER. You can watch the first 2 minutes of the premiere here! (The bleeping of the curse words made me laugh so I couldn't do it.)

-- Um doesn't Maroon 5's One More Night remind you of Ace of Base? I was obsessed with them growing up so I don't mind. Turns out the producer of this song also produced a couple songs for AOB. Interesting tidbit.

-- Kinda tired of all the political rants and it's only just begun. Sure I'll share/retweet a funny comment or picture, maybe even one serious article but that . is . all. When you're posting every day, all day to push your stance, you are just annoying and in no way will help persuade me or any other person with opposing views. Seriously. Stop.

In much brighter news, I have to say that y'all are the best blog friends around. I always know I'll get the nicest comments from y'all and the best advice too whether it's here, on Twitter or even Instagram (colormejesss)! For real, it means a lot to me.

P.S. Be here or be square tomorrow. (Yes, I know that doesn't rhyme.) There may or may not be a fun giveaway annoucement ;)

P.S.S. Here are some hi-larious pins I had to share. I swear I spend most of my time on Pinterest laughing my a off.

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: shutupimtalking.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: girlslovesextoo.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Jessica on Pinterest

my thursday thoughts

 

Thursday, you tease.

I thought it was you yesterday but I was sorely mistaken. Forgive me as my days run together lately due to a certain little girl. I won't mention any names.

 

--So have I told y'all how bad teething SUCKS? Because it does. Not just for the baby for the parents too. I'm running on fumes, y'all.

 

--This Maybooks planner I keep hearing about has me confused! I wanted another EC planner for next year that I can personalize with the Fall family pictures we're having taken...but Maybooks are so.damn.cute! Plus they're way cheaper than EC and not at all bulky.. #toughlifedecisions

 

--You may have seen this on Lauren's blog today but I am now obsessed with Ashley Goldberg's patterns too. I spent a full hour this morning looking through them and finally chose this one as the background on my phone. Yay pretty things!

 

--Also pretty? This big, colorful tote from Etsy. Mama needs!

 

--I've had the theme for Violet's 1st birthday chosen since I was pregnant but after talking to Melia on Twitter yesterday about her son's 1st, I had to copy her super organized self and make a Pinterest board for Violet's party too. Because her birthday may be 6 months away but in between now and then are the holidays. Holy freak out. SO LITTLE TIME TO PLAN. 

 

--Oh yeah, Violet turns 6 MONTHS OLD next Tuesday. Break my heart, why don't you.

 

--Have you heard about the Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Challenge? Be the first city to get it this Fall? Well, at last check the city that's in the lead is Langhorne, PA with 30,168 points. Know how many points San Antonio has? 280. Way to be lame, San Antonio.

 

--aaand finally, remember THIS from last Fall?? Well hang on to your scarves, little ladies because we will be back with a fun annoucement in two weeks!

my thursday thoughts

Oh Friday, you are so close I can taste you!
(What does Friday taste like? Like pure goodness!)

-So I finally bit the bullet and changed my Twitter handle. I'm now @colormejesss. Yeah yeah, I had to do the triple S thing but I wanted the name so badly, y'all!

-I love my daughter more than words can say but dang she is hard work. I daydream about the day when I'll sleep again. zzzzz...

-Have y'all seen that Secret Starbucks menu floating around on Pinterest? Well, according to every article I've read about it, DO NOT TRY AND ORDER THEM BY NAME! You will look like a dumb dumb! Instead, know the ingredients and ask for those specifically. You're welcome.

-I have an awful zit on my chin that will not effing go away. Help, please! I need ideas.

-I'm so jealous of a girl who works in my building who always has the best outfits and knows how to color block like it's her job! Yesterday she had on all kinds of blues and purples with awesome purple heels just like these. Girl was rocking it!

-Why is it that right when you think you're gonna have a little extra money, you have to spend it on something boring like new tires and tune ups? Ugh. I'm selfish and wanna spend my money on myself, ya know?

-Do any of y'all watch Dallas?? Holy finale twist, man! Please tell me if you watch it so we can chat. I don't know anyone who watches it!

-I've already started listening to this. Don't judge. It makes me happy :)

-Not making me happy? My baby sister leaves for college in Corpus Christi next week. I'm so excited for her but I'm being an overprotective big sis who doesn't want to see her go. She was just a chubby, giggling baby! :(

Isn't she gorgeous? I just love her and I'm already missing her so much! :(

What's going on with y'all today?

Just some thoughts in my brain

-Can you believe tomorrow is AUGUST? It gets me excited for Fall. Like goosebumps excited. I can't wait to have my house smelling so cinnamon-ey all the time and I can't wait to be able to take Violet out on nightly, breezy walks. I'm getting tingly just typing this.

-It's still hot as shit though and will be for a long while so I really need more summery clothes. I lost 10 lbs. after the pancreatitis debacle and my usual size was already feeling big so now I think I need a size smaller. woohoo! I'm seriously eyeing this dress from Target (in both colors!) and these new tops at Old Navy.

-Which reminds me, don't get an Old Navy credit card unless you have self control and won't buy everything in sight just because you now have the card. Just saying, I know of a girl who's done that.

-I was reaquainted with this song the other day and can't stop listening to it yet again. If you listen in, the actual song starts at 1:30 and is just the best. I catch myself humming it to Violet all the time now <3

-There are just 49 days until my 30th birthday. Happy for the celebration and giftage, sad because I'm leaving behind my 20s. No big deal.

-I'm finally meeting my bloggy friend KERBI tonight!!! There are so few SA bloggers (that I've found at least) so I'm glad to have such a sweet friend nearby and I mean, really nearby. We live like 10 minutes from each other! Tonight we dine on Mexican food and drink margaritas!

-Ronnie always texts me random pictures of V during the day and I got this one yesterday with the message "Twins". Pay no attention to my lovely face, mid talking. But we are kinda twinsies, no?

:)

Life This Week

Two days later and still no Mother's Day post from me, I'm slacking! It was a great day though with our families and best of all, I got to spend it with my own daughter.

Seriously. My own daughter.

I still can't believe half the time that I'm. a. MOM. Pretty crazy to think coming from the girl who used to say she would never have kids (and then found out she probably couldn't.). But I'm so glad I was able to have a baby after all because she's seriously the best thing to ever happen to me. I'll be back later with pictures from Mother's Day but for now I'm just gonna dump some random recent pics here.

oh but first let me tell you, I'm SO excited for later this week...

Thursday after work Ronnie and Violet are going to meet me for "The Food Truck Event" that just so happens to be going on in my office's parking lot! The event is part of Culinaria, a local wine and culinary arts festival and there's gonna be food, drinks, shopping and even a movie on the big screen. This is TOTALLY our speed and I can't wait! I even took a vacation day on Friday so I'll get a 3 day weekend with my cute little family :D

Now, for ze pictures...

1)It's been raining a shit ton around here since last week and I normally hate the rain but lately I'm kinda digging it. It's actually kinda pretty to see the rain clouds rolling in on my drive to work.

2)Then this past Saturday the rain took a break, just in time for my sister's senior prom. Which got me all selfish and thinking about getting older - my high school prom was 12 years ago! (WTF).

3)Sunday of course was my first Mother's Day and I hope not the last time I ever get such a dang cute card. I'm looking forward to the home made ones one day.

4)Then Monday came along and got me all annoyed but Ronnie cured that by bringing by Violet to have lunch with me. She's recently started grabbing for things and is loving on her little friend Bobo (yes, we named him) lately.

5)Today was a good mail day because I got these super fun CD's for Violet!...Perks like this are my best reason for sticking around this job ;)

Have a Happy Tuesday, friends!

Break The Ice

I have not one exciting thing to talk about today {ok, do I ever?} but thanks to Jenn, my day now has some meaning! :) Click below to join in and start breaking the ice!




1) Tell one thing not many people know about you.
Most of you probably don't know that none of my friends or family know about this blog! Ronnie is the only one and even then I tell him not to read it. ha! Is that weird? :/

2) If you HAD to change your first name, what would you change it to?
When I was little I wanted my name to be Jane or Jennifer SO bad. Guess I didn't know then that they were just as common as Jessica. ha! Now though, I'd just be happy to go by my middle name, Renee.

3) What are your 3 favorite songs of the moment?
You'd think Fleet Foxes were the only band left on earth the way I've been listening to them! But I can barely help myself, y'all, they are SO good! Their sound is the perfect soundtrack for my summer nights and cuddling with my man. {Cheesy! :p} These are my 3 favorites right now: Mykonos, White Winter Hymnal , He Doesn't Know Why

4) List 3 goals on your life's to-do list:
Find a job doing something I truly love.
Live in another city.
Visit Greece.

5) What is one of your favorite quotes?

{via}

6) Fill in the blank: If I had an extra 10 dollars to spend . . I would buy __________?

A new nail polish and some milk and Oreos for me and my lova.

7) What’s your birth date?
9-19-82! I will be 29 this year. Noooooo!

8) Do you have a hidden talent and if so what is it?
If you play me a classic rock song, there's a really good chance I can name the song and band. I am just oozing talent, let me tell you!

9) What do you think of when you hear the word "blue"?
Blue Moon beer. Keepin' it classy ;)

10) Finish this thought: I need . . .
to stop worrying about what others think of me.

Thanks again, Jenn for hosting this fun link up! Join in the link up too so I can learn more about yous guys!

For now, it's back to work for me. Which today consists of looking at the clock, randomly gossiping with co-workers, yawning, checking my e-mail {nope, still nothing}, checking Facebook {yup, still the same people updating 5x a day}, checking the clock again...But if my boss asks, I'm swamped and they should definitely go on more vacations because we're doing just fine!

Tweet me, e-mail me or pin with me. I'm around! :D